The Indonesian Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, emphasized that Indonesia must prepare a generation of leaders capable of transforming global uncertainty into new growth opportunities towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.
“We are all facing the complexity of global issues, from geopolitics to increasing uncertainty. For developing countries, this situation does cause anxiety. Still, it can actually be a momentum to leapfrog into a developed nation,” said Prof. Brian while speaking as a keynote speaker at Leadership Night 2025 held by SBM ITB, in Jakarta (12/17).
Leadership Night 2025 is a strategic dialogue space between academics, public leaders, and company founders. The event carried the theme “Bridging Brilliance: Building Indonesia’s Next Generation Through Research and Beyond.” Leadership Night 2025 featured several national figures and industry players, such as the Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy for the 2020–2024 period and Founder of Saratoga Investama, Dr. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno; Founder & CEO of Dibimbing.id and University of Cakrawala Zaky Muhammad Syah; Founder & CEO of Meatguy Dimas Ramadhan Pangestu; Founder & CEO of Es Teh Indonesia Haidhar Wurjanto; and Founder & Director of PT Luxury Cantika Indonesia (Luxcrime) and CEO of Feel Matcha Achmad Nurul Fajri.
Meanwhile, Prof. Brian further conveyed the government’s vision to make Indonesia a high-income country, which requires industrial economic growth of up to 8%. However, he also underscored the structural challenges still faced.
“Data shows that only around 10.2% of the population holds a university degree, while the national industrial capacity is still insufficient. To achieve 8% growth, real breakthroughs are needed in increasing added value and industrial capabilities,” he said.
According to Prof. Brian, Indonesia needs a “creative minority,” a small group of leaders who work extraordinarily hard to create new industries and drive the nation. He emphasized that Indonesia can no longer carry on business as usual and must build strong science and technology-based businesses.
He also encouraged participants to remain optimistic, reflecting on history: Indonesia recorded 8.2% economic growth in 1995, with the manufacturing sector as the primary driver of that growth.
In concluding his message, Prof. Brian emphasized the leadership qualities needed to address global pressures.
“True leaders are those who are constantly hungry for learning, humble, consistent in their work, and resilient under pressure. Only a nation that masters science and technology can become a prosperous nation,” he said.
On the same occasion, Dr. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno emphasized the younger generation’s role as problem solvers, drivers of cross-sector collaboration, and creators of sustainable businesses that generate economic impact through job creation.
